Kimmy.........

[Alffe]

Big hugs and sorry I wasn't here when you really needed them but I can see that you were in good hands. I'm so glad you vented here...sometimes life just sucks and we need to say so. How do you like the new dr? Have you told your daughter how you feel about the purse strings? It sure is understandable and I'd feel the same way but if you can talk to her about it, it might help some. Anyway, remember that we love you here and want you to feel better both in body and soul.

[KathyM]

((Kimmy))

I think it's unrealistic to expect the achievement of "happily ever after" in life. It would mean we've served our purpose and learned all we needed to know about life on earth.

I have times when I feel I have all the answers I need to maintain peace of mind and joy in living. That's usually when reality smacks me in the face and changes all the questions.

I see life as a roller coaster ride. It's our job to enjoy the ride, wherever it takes us, and to hold on for dear life when it takes a nose dive. It helps to have friends and loved ones by our side. It gives us the courage to throw our hands in the air and scream with joy. It gives us the strength to support others who are holding on for dear life.

We'll achieve "happily ever after" when the roller coaster comes to an end. We can then meet at the food court, pig out on our favorite foods, and laugh about our experience on the biggest thrill ride of them all.

If we jump off before the ride comes to an end, we'll only make the ride harder for those we leave behind.

Hang on, girl - you have friends who care about you.

[Doody]

((Kimmy)) The 'big house' doesn't allow more than 4 adults in it and our 4th ended up wanting the spot anyway. I don't know where all the other people are staying, like Mr. & Mrs. Alffe or LPP, etc. Everyone is staying in their own place. There is no one big house.

I hope that helps you feel a little less ticked off.

Love you, Doody

Oh and (Kathy) I like your analogy. I always say, fasten your seat belt and hang on.

[KathyM]

Hey, Kimmy

It might help you to know that I wasn't invited either. Heck, I don't even know what's going on. Doody's talking about the big house - guess that means everyone's going to jail.

It's really hard to get everyone together in one place at one time. Someone always gets left out. We shouldn't take it personally.

We can look forward to hearing some funny stories when our friends return from their excellent adventure. Happy friends are strong friends.

[Alffe]

Well, I'm not sure how much information to post on this very public forum but just let me say...that we are going to a wedding...the bride and groom are long time BT members who not only supported each other when they needed it most...but managed to fall in love to the delight of all who know them.

And Kimmy....EVERYONE on that private forum was invited...that includes you but I think you missed the invite while you were in the middle of your moving.

Kathy, I also loved the roller coaster analogy...I always use the "journey on the train" and when it pulls into the station...it's over! But a roller coaster is much more like our lives!!

And now I have to go look up the bug in the cup!

[~scrabble]

(((Kimmy))) ... I hope things are looking a bit brighter for you. I know for me that sometimes all it takes is 'a step back' from the situation or a bit of timeout to realize it isn't all so bad. Sometimes I've found myself catastrophizing (*) and I have to really think about controling my thoughts to get myself out of a pessimistic loop. I'm not trying to make light of anything you are experiencing, but I read on another thread that you were feeling less ticked off and I'm glad for you. I think Alffe is probably right that your invite was sent to your former address.

* catastrophizing probably isn't an actual word ... but it happened to pop into my mind as I was typing!

(((KathyM))) ... I really liked what you wrote about the roller coaster ride too. You are a wise lady!

(((Doody))) ... I didn't know what the 'no more room at the big house' meant so thanks for making that a bit more clear.

(((Alffe))) ... I think your brief explanation of the "toodoo" will be helpful to others who read here. It can be hard to feel like you have no clue what some of the people are referring to and it might seem like you are being left out of a good joke. I wish I could afford to attend and if I didn't live so far away .... or if there was a fantastic seat sale with an airline ... or if I won the lottery ... well I would be there if I could. My spirit will be there and I look forward to hearing about the wedding and seeing some pics!